IDEF vs VOO
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.63% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.63% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IDEF vs VOO Performance
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDEF returned +19.63% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, IDEF is up 10.63% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -15.8% for IDEF and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDEF charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEF currently yields 0.34% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IDEF and VOO share 17 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDEF or VOO?
IDEF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDEF or VOO?
Over the past year IDEF returned +19.63% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IDEF annualized +31.83% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDEF or VOO?
IDEF has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IDEF -15.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IDEF and VOO?
IDEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDEF and VOO?
IDEF and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDEF or VOO?
IDEF yields 0.34% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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